There is one thing that I look forward to all winter long and that’s summer! There is just something about the long summer days, wearing flip flops, sundresses, and not having to scrape the ice off my car that makes me so happy. But every year at the first sign of spring, I think, “Is my skin ready for the sun?”
Let’s take a look at some common skin ailments and start now to get your skin summer-ready!
Bumpy Arms
No need to avoid the tank tops anymore! To treat your bumpy arms, also known as Keratosis pilaris or chicken skin, start in the shower with an exfoliating cleanser, like the SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. This will help cells turn over and help slough off the top layer of dead skin cells. Then, follow up with an exfoliating lotion. I recommend SkinMedica GlyPro Renewal Cream because it helps with cell turnover and complete skin renewal. It also has antioxidants to protect against free radicals and helps protect the skin’s natural barrier function. Keratosis pilaris is when there is a buildup of keratin, a hard protein, which forms a scaly plug that blocks the hair follicle opening causing the bumpiness. That is why exfoliation and keeping the skin hydrated is so critical.
Breakouts on your Chest or Back
All that gym time getting your body swimsuit ready can definitely play a role in body acne because clothing traps sweat and oil. Once trapped, sebum mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria and clogs the hair follicle which turns into acne. If you are unable to shower immediately after your workout, I recommend wiping down your chest and back with a salicylic medicated wipe – my favorite is the Complexion Renewal Pads from ZO. These help to exfoliate dead cells, reduce oiliness, minimizes surface oil and calms the skin. I also recommend using a cleanser with salicylic acid and a lotion with salicylic acid three times a week to help dry anything up that is present and to help prevent anything from popping up. I recommend the AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser and Lotion from SkinMedica.
Dimply legs
Cellulite, also known as orange peel texture, cottage cheese skin, or dimply skin is caused when fat cells are being pushed up against the connective tissue beneath the skin. A cellulite or firming cream is not going to fully fix the problem, but it can help the appearance if used consistently, twice daily. I love the Cellulite Control from ZO – it has plankton extract which helps provide a slimming and toning effect. It also has caffeine, coenzyme A and carnitine that assist in minimizing the visible signs of cellulite, and several other spectacular ingredients.
Cracked Heels
This happens when you have dry skin accompanied by thickened skin. It can also be from wearing boots and skipping the pedicures during the winter time. Depending on the severity of your heels, you may just need to lather them up with some SkinMedica Dermal Repair Cream, put on cotton socks and sleep that way a few nights a week. If that doesn’t quite seem to do the trick I recommend investing in the Pedi kit from Clarisonic. It has four simple steps to help slough off dead skin cells and really lock in the moisture.
Skin Protection
After you have spent all this time to make sure your skin is in great shape, you’ll want to protect it. I’m sure you’re thinking you have some kind of sunscreen in the medicine cabinet but, unless it has zinc oxide or titanium dioxide in the ingredients, it’s just not going to cut it. Zinc and titanium are physical barriers meaning they reflect the sun and are protecting you from UVA and UVB rays. Your basic chemical sunscreens are only protecting you against UVB rays and we actually are exposed to more UVA rays than UVB. Many people liken zinc to the white paste that people would put on noses.
Don’t worry, it’s no longer like that! I love the Elta MD products because they have transparent zinc in it that melts into your skin and does not leave a white sheen.
Now is the time to start the prep in order to get your skin ready for summer and enjoy the sunshine!
If you want to learn more about which skin care products will be best for you, contact us to schedule a FREE skin evaluation and consultation with Susie! Call us at 303-647-1435.
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